Author: Mobile Syrup

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Mobile Syrup

Dyson rebranding Dyson Link app to MyDyson, introduces new features and 24/7 support

Dyson has effectively rebranded its Dyson Link app to MyDyson. As part of the relaunch, the app now includes new features that integrate with several of the company’s smart devices. Additionally, enhanced support is now accessible via the app.

Upon installing the app, users will find new ways to interact with their devices. For those adding Dyson hair care machines or cordless vacuums to the app and profile, they’ll be able to enjoy tailored hair styling and floor care guides. How-to videos are also available. Users can also find and select accessories to purchase online.

For those with Dyson purifiers and humidifiers, the MyDyson app includes new functionality. For instance, users can review real-time indoor and outdoor air quality information. Plus, you can create schedules based on routines and needs. The app also enables remote control access to airflow speed, modes, timers, oscillation, etc. Plus, software updates can be found by connecting the device to the app.

Looking at the Dyson robot vacuum, the MyDyson app enables the ability to control, activate or pause their device remotely. Additionally, schedules and the ability to track cleans are available. Users can swap between Max and Quiet modes via the app, even when a cleaning cycle has started. Activity maps, the creation of zones, and software updates can all be found within as well.

Finally, Dyson lights also gain functionality within the app. Users can sync their Dyson light to their location’s natural daylight. MyDyson also enables access to presets, including ‘Relax,’ ‘Study’ and ‘Precision.’ Users can also activate Boost mode for a temporary 20-minute window of high-intensity light. Once again, software updates are available within the app.

To no surprise, there’s limited functionality to Dyson’s hair care machines and cordless vacuums. The MyDyson app certainly tailors more to those with Dyson’s smart home devices. However, 24/7 support, including chat, is available for all machines.

As of now, there are voice control options with Amazon Alexa. However, this feature is limited to Australia, France, Germany, India, Japan, the U.K. and the U.S. There’s no word on when or if Canada is receiving similar support.

MyDyson is available in the App Store in Canada as well as the Google Play Store.

Image credit: Dyson

Source: Dyson

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Mobile Syrup

Google Fit rolls out Health Connect support

Google Fit has added the ability to ‘Sync with Health Connect.’

Included with ‘version 2.89’ of the app, the feature Health Connects lets you share stats like calories, heart rate and body measurements between Fit and other apps.

Once Fit reads a data type, it will store it in your Google Account alongside all other Fit data. It will then collectively analyze this data to provide recommendations and insights

This functionality will be further explained through a ‘Get started’ card once you update the app if you need more information.

You can download Google Fit in the Play Store here.

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Mobile Syrup

Toronto Raptors launch first-of-its-kind high-tech analytics board

The Toronto Raptors are stepping up their game.

The basketball team has just launched a brand-new, high-tech analytics board to provide players with all sorts of in-depth data on their performance.

At 36.7 metres (120 feet wide), the display takes up an entire wall at the OVO Athletic Centre, the team’s practice facility. The Raptors say this significant size, consisting of 448 individual boards and some 14 million pixels, makes the board the first of its kind in the league.

Using Amazon Web Services and a series of cameras placed above each rim, the board will display a slew of metrics related to each shot, including ball rotation, depth, trajectory and the height of the player’s jump.

The cameras are even capable of facial recognition and motion capture to identify and record data for each player. The team can then freely study all of this data and tweak their shots as necessary.

Toronto Raptors OVO Athletic Centre net with cameras

Cameras have been placed above each net to provide in-depth data on each shot.

These metrics will be captured on two screens on either end of the display, courtesy of Noah Analytics, but the board has other use cases. During a media demo event attended by MobileSyrup, the board also featured replays of a recent match with Chicago, as well as a breakdown of each player’s rebounds and deflections during said match.

The middle screen, which showed the Raptors logo, could also be used for special messaging like “Win.” That said, it’s still early days for the board, and a Raptors representative said the team is looking to discover even more applications down the line.

Toronto Raptors OVO Athletic Centre board metrics

Screens on either side of the board provide specific data on each shot.

For now, though, the team is already getting good mileage out of the board.

“There were certain things we were starting to emphasize this year,” said Nick Nurse, Raptors head coach, during a conversation with media. “For example, let’s say we were trying to emphasize that the first player across the floor does what we call ‘run to the rim.’ So we pulled out all the clips from last year where that happened, and a guy got a layup or a dunk, and we just let it roll. Then we started doing all the drill work, emphasizing that as it was rolling. And we did that for about three or four days before practice started, so that was probably the best example of doing stuff on the floor that was being shown on top.”

Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse

Nick Nurse, head coach of the Toronto Raptors, introduces the board to media.

So far, the team seems to be responding well to it. According to Nurse, Raptors point guard Fred VanVleet said the board is “the best thing they’ve done,” while power forward Thaddeus Young — who’s already invested in tech-powered shot training through Shoot 360 — told us “I like the fact that everything’s amplified” on the big screen. Fellow power forward Pascal Siakam offered similar praise last week.

The Raptors will open the 2022-23 NBA season at home against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, October 19th.

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Mobile Syrup

Overwatch 2 characters have already topped PornHub searches

Overwatch 2 only just launched on October 11th, but it’s already won over the… hearts of PornHub users.

As noted by Kotaku, D.Va, a returning Overwatch character with a new look in the sequel, was one of the trending searches on the porn site’s home page. When I just checked PornHub (for journalistic purposes, naturally), fellow returning hero Widowmaker shows as trending.

While Overwatch characters have always been popular on PornHub, it’s nonetheless amusing that the sequel has already garnered so much attention. It should be noted that Overwatch 2 experienced connectivity issues at launch, which developer Blizzard attributed in part to a DDoS attack, so I guess fans had to find other ways to have some Overwatch-themed fun.

Who is your favourite Overwatch character? (To play as, of course.) Let us know in the comments.

Note: Blizzard parent company Activision Blizzard is facing ongoing legal action related to reported work culture issues. Specifically, the gaming giant was accused in a July 2021 lawsuit of fostering a toxic “frat boy” culture at its U.S. studios in which many employees, particularly women, dealt with harassment, gender discrimination, unequal pay and other forms of mistreatment. Bobby Kotick, the company’s CEO, has specifically come under fire for allegedly working to cover up these reports and has faced calls to resign, yet he still leads the company. Recently, Axios reported that Activision Blizzard has also been hit with two setbacks related to its legal battle with California over these workplace misconduct allegations. While the conversation has shifted to Microsoft’s pending acquisition of the company, it’s nonetheless important to recognize what has transpired at the Call of Duty maker.

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Mobile Syrup

Roku could be planning large expansion into smart home lighting, plugs and cameras

It appears Roku is expanding from streaming hardware to smart home lighting.

Photos and two shipping manifests regarding Roku-branded smart home devices have appeared online. The smart home lineup from Roku could incorporate light strips, smart plus and even indoor/outdoor security cameras.

Roku has long secured its place in the streaming hardware space, whether it’s the Roku Express, Roku Streaming Stick, or the new Roku Ultra, many are aware of the brand.

A photo depicting a large stack of Roku smart light strips is circulating the internet courtesy of Reddit user ‘Negative_Source.’ Additionally, two shipping manifests show that Roku is working with Wyze on roughly half a dozen products for the home.

So far, the available information reveals the company’s plans to sell a Roku colour bulb and a white bulb. Additionally, there are mentions of the aforementioned light strips and a Roku smart plug. Finally, Roku appears to be releasing a Roku indoor camera, Roku outdoor camera and Roku pan cam.

Of course, this leak doesn’t officially confirm that there are new Roku devices on the way. However, this is substantial enough evidence to suggest Roku is planning to become an integral part of the smart home.

It’s worth considering how these products could communicate with one another. References to a ‘Roku Smart Home’ channel have been spotted as well. This suggests that Roku may be developing a way to control all devices via a set-top box or streaming stick. It’s likely integration into the Roku mobile app is on the way as well.

Roku’s investment in smart home lighting is interesting. Obviously, Philips Hue is a big player in the space and offers the Hue Play HDMI Sync Box for the living room. Though, it does involve quite the investment of cash. Perhaps Roku’s smart home initiative can provide similar results for a more modest price.

As far as rollout and pricing, it’s still unclear how Roku plans to announce these products. However, given that the packaging looks like it’s finalized, we can’t be too far away from official details.

Image credit: u/Negative_Source

Source: Reddit ‘Negative_Source’ Via: The Verge

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Mobile Syrup

Google announces new Chromebook powered by cloud after killing Stadia

Google is announcing a brand new line of Chromebooks. The three new devices, developed in partnership with a number of manufacturers, are said to utilize the power of the cloud for gaming. News of the products come not long after the same company pulled the curtain on Stadia.

Google’s new Chromebook selection includes Acer’s Chromebook 516 GE, the Asus Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip and the Ideapad Gaming Chromebook from Lenovo. Each laptop touts high framerates and RGB keyboards. Most prominently, each new Chromebook is built for cloud gaming.

We’ve compiled a quick overview of each device. The Acer Chromebook 516 GE offers a 120Hz WQXGA display, RGB anti-ghosting keyboard, and WiFi 6E connectivity. It is also built on an Intel Core i5 processor with 8GB+ RAM.

Meanwhile, the ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip supports a 144Hz FHD display and is a 2-in-1 convertible laptop. Once again, this device includes an RGB anti-ghosting keyboard and an Intel Core i5 processor with 8GB+ RAM. It is paired with Harmon Kardon-certified dual speakers with WiFi 6 connectivity enabled.

Finally, the Lenovo Ideapad Gaming Chromebook supports a 120Hz WQXGA display, an RGB anti-ghosting keyboard and WiFi 6E connectivity. Additionally, it includes a 4-speaker system with Wave audio tuning plus an Intel Core i3+ processor with 8GB+ RAM.

While each device offers modest specs, it’s Google’s emphasis on cloud gaming that stands out the most. Even in the blog post, Google highlights the respectable number of games available on the cloud via the above video. Google is teaming up with Nvidia to bring its GeForce Now cloud-based gaming feature to each Chromebook. Each device is built to support Nvidia’s highest performance RTX 3080 tier. Members of the RTX 3080 tier are able to play AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Fortnite and Crysis 3 Remastered at up to 1600p @120fps.

Additionally, Google is partnering with Xbox to bring Xbox Cloud Gaming to Chromebook via an installable web app to give subscribers of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate even more flexibility. Xbox Cloud Gaming supports a wide array of first-party titles and third-party games available on Xbox Game Pass.

The timing of this announcement is quite unfortunate. The performance of each Chromebook does set itself up to be a cloud-gaming workhorse. However, Google recently shuttered Stadia, its own cloud-gaming service. Had it not, the narrative of these new Chromebooks being Stadia-powered writes itself. Though, as of January 18th, 2023, Stadia and its servers will be taken offline. For those in the Google ecosystem, refunds on hardware and software will be given through the Google Play Store.

As for the new Chromebooks, each device will be available this month.

Image credit: Google

Source: Google

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Mobile Syrup

Meta’s new Quest Pro costs almost four times its predecessor

At the Meta Connect event earlier today, October 11th, CEO Mark Zuckerberg unveiled the long-awaited Project Cambria, officially named the Meta Quest Pro.

The company says the Quest Pro is its entry into the high-end line of devices “built to expand what’s possible in VR.”

The device begins shipping on October 25th, and is available to pre-order for $2,299.99 CAD. This includes the headset, Meta Quest Touch Pro controllers, stylus tips, partial light blockers, and a charging dock.

“It’s the first in our new line of advanced headsets, built to expand what’s possible in VR. It takes what people love about Meta Quest 2 and adds a bunch of new technologies to help you do more in the metaverse. It’s made for collaboration and creativity, and with mixed reality built in, it lets you do things that haven’t been possible before. All in a beautiful design that’s comfortable to wear. Whether you’re looking to work in a new way, or you just want the very best experiences available today… this sets the standard,” said Zuckerberg.

Check out some tech specs for the new headset below:

  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ platform
  • Memory: 12GB of RAM
  • Storage: 256GB of storage
  • Sensors: 10 high-resolution sensors

The Quest Pro is backward compatible with the Meta Quest 2 catalogue, so you don’t have to wait for developers to port or develop games for the headset. Further, with the headset, Meta is not just focused on pleasing VR gamers, but also those working professionals looking to work in VR.

The mixed-reality headset features eye-tracking and natural facial expressions for a more authentic avatar look for in-VR video conferences, alongside “crisp LCD displays for sharp visuals,” and “high-resolution sensors for robust mixed reality experiences.” It also features a “full-color mixed reality experience” that lets people see the world around them while wearing the headset with overlaid coloured graphics. The Quest 2 also has this feature, but it is limited to Black and White.

Meta is also working with Microsoft to bring Microsoft Teams and Microsoft 365 office-productivity software on the new headset. Additionally, the partnership also brings Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) to the Meta Quest Store. The Meta Quest 2 would be able to connect to the store and stream games from Microsoft’s vast catalogue “in the near future.” Learn more about the partnership here.

Learn more about the Meta Quest Pro here. Follow this link to pre-order the headset.

Image credit: Meta Quest

Source: Meta

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Mobile Syrup

Pixel 6 series to receive Pixel 7 features, including ‘Clear Calling’ and ‘Guided Frame’

Upon the reveal of Google’s Pixel 7 series, the company announced a handful of new software features. At the time, it was assumed they would be exclusive to the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. However, Google recently confirmed several Pixel 7 software features will come to the Pixel 6 series in the future.

Alongside the Pixel 7, Google revealed its ‘Clear Calling’ feature. This feature enables users to make phone calls with improved quality. The goal of Clear Calling is to clean up the audio and remove as much background noise as possible. The feature also supports the ability to say “Silence” to stop incoming calls.

Clear Calling will arrive via a future ‘Feature Drop.’ However, Google recently confirmed that this feature is arriving on all Tensor-powered Pixel phones. This means that Google’s bringing Clear Calling to Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, and Pixel 6a. However, it’s still unclear when the feature will arrive on older Pixel devices.

Additionally, Google’s ‘Guided Frame’ feature is also coming to all Tensor-powered Pixel devices. This feature utilizes Google’s AI to assist those that are blind and visually impaired. As an active accessibility option, Guided Frame helps to snap a selfie by using a voice-over assistant. This voice helps the users position their phones in real-time. The feature suggests alterations to the positioning and conducts a countdown to prepare the shot.

Improved ‘Real Tone’ is also coming to the Pixel 6 series, and last up is ‘Spatial Audio’ via the Pixel Buds Pro. For the uninitiated, Spatial Audio creates 3D sound and enables the user to get a heightened sense of audio directions and origins. This is built to create immersive listening experiences.

Unfortunately, one Pixel 7 feature that doesn’t appear to be making its way to the Pixel 6 is ‘Face Unlock.’ At this current time, Google states it has nothing to share regarding its migration to older devices.

Source: PhoneArena Via: 9to5Google

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Mobile Syrup

Xbox Cloud Gaming is coming to Meta Quest 2

At the October 11th Meta Connect conference, Microsoft announced a partnership with Meta to bring its Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) to the Meta Quest 2 VR headset.

By connecting an Xbox Wireless Controller, you’ll be able to play the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate library from your headset. While the games won’t be playable in VR, of course, the headset will create a large 2D screen through which you can view them, not unlike your own little theatre.

Meta and Microsoft did not confirm a release date, though. Xbox Cloud Gaming is currently available on Xbox consoles, PC, Android and iOS and select smart TVs as part of a $16.99 CAD/month Game Pass Ultimate subscription.

Other announcements at Meta Connect include Meta’s acquisition of Marvel’s Iron Man VR developer Camouflaj (and bringing the superhero game to Meta Quest 2), a November 10th launch date for Among Us VR and a new trailer plus December release window for The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners — Chapter 2: Retribution.

Source: Meta

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Mobile Syrup

Twitter whistleblower reportedly burned handwritten notebooks and deleted 100 files of evidence

The latest development in the Elon Musk vs. Twitter fiasco came earlier last week, when it was reported that the billionaire wants to revive his original buyout offer, and acquire Twitter for $44 billion USD (roughly $59.5 billion CAD).

However, a new report from Bloomberg suggests that right before reviving the offer, Musk reportedly accused Twitter of ordering the whistleblower Peiter “Mudge” Zatko to destroy evidence relating to the company as part of a $7.8 million (roughly $10.7 million CAD) severance package.

Zatko’s allegations were an integral part of Musk’s case against the company, and up until last week, the whistleblower’s allegations were to be used in court to justify Musk walking away from the acquisition deal. According to Zatko, the company is practicing “extreme, egregious deficiencies” related to privacy, security and content moderation.

According to Zatko, prior to him being fired in January, reportedly due to poor work performance, he had warned Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal about major privacy and computer security risks related to the social media platform’s operations that constituted violations of agreements the business had made with government regulators. One of the allegations was that too many of Twitter’s employees have access to critical systems and users’ sensitive personal data, while Zatko also alleged that Twitter repeatedly made “false and misleading statements” to users and the FTC, violating an agreement from its 2010 settlement with the FTC over a failure to protect consumers’ personal information.

Zatko says he burned 10 handwritten notebooks and deleted 100 computer files as part of his separation agreement, as written in the October 3rd court filings that were unsealed Monday, October 10th. “Twitter’s attempt to buy Mr. Zatko’s silence failed, but Twitter achieved its secondary aim of ensuring Mr. Zatko’s corroborating evidence would never come to light,” Musk’s lawyers said in the unsealed filing, via Bloomberg.

Musk’s lawyers are now accusing Twitter’s top two lawyers, namely Vijaya Gadde and Sean Edgett, alongisde Twitter’s chief privacy officer Damien Kieran and Agrawal of covering up the violations of the legal settlements by ordering Zatko to destroy his documents.

The Twitter vs. Musk trial, which was originally scheduled for October 17th has now been postponed to November, while Musk has until October 28th to close the deal, according to Kathaleen St. Jude McCormick, head of the Delaware Chancery Court.

Image credit: Shutterstock

Source: Bloomberg